Escape From Tarkov’s Unheard Edition And Sony’s Attempt At Locking Helldivers
A wild month...
Ever find yourself wondering what's going on in the minds of the bigwigs at game studios and corporate giants these days? It's like they're living in a parallel universe where they think gamers are an easy mark, swallowing whatever nonsense they dish out without question.
But hold on, let's take a step back.
Why am I, someone who prides themselves on steering clear of drama and maintaining a neutral stance, suddenly so fired up? It's not just the audacity of the situations we're about to dive into; it's the sheer brazenness of it all. Usually, this kind of stuff stays hidden behind closed doors, obscured by layers of slick marketing. But not this time. Both BSG and Sony have managed to set a new low in the realm of corporate behavior.
So, buckle up. We're about to unpack it all.
Battle State Game’s Rugpull - The Unheard Edition
If you have been around the EFT space for a while, or heck, anywhere on the internet since this one had far reaching effect, than you likely know of the evil Unheard edition. Since the onset of Escape From Tarkov’s open alpha/beta players had bought into the game’s Edge Of Darkness edition. This was the highest level game package that could be purchased and it came with various perks like:
Increased Stash Size
Increased Starting Money & Gear
Access to all current and upcoming DLC (Season Pass)
Special in-game ID
The Edge of Darkness (EOD) version, as it was dubbed, boasted an array of enticing features for those, like myself, eager to deeply support the game. Priced at approximately $139.99, it was marketed as the pinnacle edition, offering a lifetime investment in the game. For years, it held its ground as the ultimate package, until just last week, when a new 'supreme' version emerged unexpectedly, without preamble.
Before delving further, let me clarify that I harbor no objections to the introduction of a pricier game edition; after all, developers need avenues for sustained revenue. However, the crux of the matter lies in the contents of this new edition. In short, it leans heavily on pay-to-win early advantages. Honestly, if it stayed as an utterly optional and cosmetic based package to show support for the game, I do not think people would have cared as much, maybe a small laugh here and there, but not a full on internet revolution.
Day 1 -
The day started as normal. Wake up, have some coffee, maybe take a deep breath of fresh air from outside. But when people started to go on YouTube to see a new video posted from the BSG account, the day became everything but normal. This new version, The Unheard Edition, not only gave players the single thing we have been screaming for over the course of years, a single player mode with no wipes, but other countless advantages. Here is everything this edition offers of note:
Access to PvE co-op mode with persistent progression. Progression will not be reset with wipes.
Enhanced stash size (10x72)
Unique in-game ID
Expanded PMC pockets
Increased Fence standing
Increased mail retention time
Free access to all subsequent DLCs (Season pass)
Access to the Early Test Server (ETS)
Various in game items normally only acquired mid-wipe such as: a Scav junkbox, ammo cases, weapon case, crazy ammo that can penetrate any armor.
Two more things that are have recently been somewhat adjusted based off backlash is the “Mark Of The Unheard” which would stop bad AI from shooting you from 60 meters away and give you discounts on in raid services such as the car exit. Similarly there is the ‘Distress Signal Device’ which actually allows you to call your friends into your raid to help you. So PVP can become even more unbalanced. But thankfully the Mark Of The Unheard will only be in PVE and the distress signal will be earnable in game.
The biggest thing of note is the ‘free access to all subsequent DLCs (Season pass)”. If you have a keen eye you will see that it was also listed on the EOD version of the game. Through quick investigation fueled by anger and the wayback machine the community discovered that BGS’s website was updated only moments before, scrubbing as much evidence possible AND moving the season pass from EOD to unheard.
People where not happy.
By late that afternoon the entire fanbase was on fire, countless videos were made (like mine), and the tomatos where being thrown. “EFT is dead”, “Only EFT can kill EFT” where hot words of the day and instead of talking to their fanbase BSG’s community managers went on twitter to bash their competition!
Day 2 - 3
If the picture wasn't already crystal clear, other games and developers swiftly joined the chorus of criticism. Influential figures and content creators, not even affiliated with the EFT fanbase, lent their voices to the uproar—names like Moist Critical and even Angry Joe. It was surreal, witnessing this cascade of condemnation. While it's sadly common to witness developers or large game publishers stubbornly defend bad decisions (cough, cough, EA), witnessing a triple-down is a rarity. But by golly, BSG made history.